How to choose a physiotherapist? 6 Things to consider.

Physiotherapists like any other health professionals are governed by strict service standards and have different areas of expertise. Whether you are suffering from a specific health condition or have suffered an injury choosing an ideal physiotherapist is really important. A poorly selected physiotherapist may result in delayed treatment outcomes, greater cost, and potential feelings of frustration. The physiotherapist you choose should be able to understand your health condition and determine treatment goals.

There might be a good number of physical therapy experts offering services near you. It important for you to pick out the physio/physiotherapy clinic best suited to treat you.  Here is a list of 5 things you should consider while selecting a physiotherapist for you or for your loved ones.

 1.     Qualification: It is essential to check that your physiotherapist is fully qualified and fully accredited just as when you deal with any health professional. A physiotherapist is required to have completed a degree from an approved educational institution. Make sure that you check the qualification of your physiotherapist before your treatment begins.

 2.     Expertise: Physiotherapy covers a wide area; you should seek out a physiotherapist with the relevant qualification for your particular problem. So, if you have a bad back, see someone who specializes in musculoskeletal conditions, and if you are recovering from heart bypass surgery see an expert in cardiovascular physiotherapy. Choosing from an area of expertise is really important before considering the treatment for a particular condition.

 3.     Location: Location is something that should be considered, especially when long term treatment is needed. Driving or moving long distances is not wise and advisable when you have musculoskeletal problems or when you are recovering from a surgery. You should prefer a physio that is close by, or that is not difficult to get to, but make sure that other criteria are fulfilled first.

 4.     Methods of Treatment: Traditionally, physiotherapists use techniques like movement and massage, but there is a wider array used today. Other than traditional methods other techniques include reflexology, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, etc. are required to treat a specific condition or injury. Your specific health condition may require an appropriate treatment type. Ask if a preferred alternative treatment is available. Many clinics that offer physiotherapy offer alternative treatment options, so they may have what you need.

 5.     Availability: Perhaps the most important consideration is whether the physiotherapist is actually available. When you are in pain, a waiting list is the last thing you need to be put on. It’s important to get treatment as quickly as possible, so ask about the workload. This can be essential if you suffer a relapse and need emergency attention. Small practices can offer superb treatment, but larger clinics are better able to handle the availability issue.

 6.     Reputation: Before finalizing the physio make sure that you do some research on what other similar patients have to say about the treatment. Doing a basic google search, reading a few reviews etc should be enough.

This article was first posted on CB Physiotherapy

 

When to see a Chiropractor? Look for these 7 signs and symptoms.

Pain is our body’s way of seeking attention and telling us that everything is not fine. Types of pain differ, so should the kind of attention given. Home-made solutions can be sufficient in many cases, but sometimes delaying professional attention can lead to worsening of your condition. While most people find it suitable to consult a chiropractor/physiotherapist if neck/back pain is becoming unmanageable. 

 

There are two things wrong with this:

• Don’t wait for the pain to become unmanageable, a chiropractor can help prevent something from going wrong in the first place.
• Other than back/neck pain, Chiropractors are highly skilled to effectively manage and treat other types of pains through spinal adjustment and manipulation.

 

7 Signs to keep in mind on when to see a chiropractor.

 

• Headaches and Migraines: Chronic headaches and migraines are commonly caused by muscle tension in the neck. The tension in the muscles and inflammation of the joints can cause headaches that can be very painful. A chiropractor can manipulate your spine, which can reduce some of the spinal tension, which ultimately would reduce the tension in the head.

 

• Joint Pain or Muscle Pain: People experiencing pain in muscles and joints, should not opt for over the counter medicines as pain could be due to problems with musculoskeletal alignment. A chiropractor is trained to make sure that the body is functioning as optimally as possible by using spinal manipulations to relieve pain in your joints and muscles.

 

• Chronic Back Pain: Experiencing chronic back pain has been one of the most obvious signs that call for a chiropractic visit. The multiple factors that can contribute to back pain include poor ergonomics, repetitive tasks, working habits, and sitting for a long period of time. A chiropractic doctor can provide you with pain relief without the need for invasive surgery or narcotics.

 

• Limited Range of Motion: Experiencing a limited range of motion with your legs, arms, and neck with reduced flexibility indicates the need for consulting a chiropractor. Chiropractic adjustments realign the bones and joints, relieving pain and increasing the body’s range of motion. Having a normal range of motion helps the body to function optimally.

 

• Shooting Pain in Legs: Experiencing sharp, shooting pain in your legs, or tingling and weakness could be a sign that you are suffering from a pinched nerve or slipped disc. A trained chiropractor can diagnose the cause of the pain in your leg and perform a spinal adjustment to alleviate the unwanted pressure that is being placed on the nerve and causing you pain.

 

• Active lifestyle: People with an active lifestyle who spend time working out or playing sports, are often subjected to additional strain and pressure. Engaging in these activities can make the body prone to pinched nerves, slipped discs, or other alignment problems. Consulting a chiropractor on a regular basis helps to keep the body functioning at its prime and to continue the active lifestyle

 

• Recent Injury: One of the signs you need to see a chiropractor is that you have suffered a recent injury and are still having problems with pain. Many individuals experience a limited range of motion in the area of injury, along with stiffness, joint or soft tissue pain. If you are experiencing these symptoms as the result of an injury, it's time to see your nearest chiropractor.

This Article was First Posted On CB Physiotherapy

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What is Tailbone Pain and How Physiotherapy can help!

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People often experience a dull ache, which changes to sharp or throbbing pain with activities such as getting up from a sitting position or prolonged sitting. While most of people don’t know the actual cause of these symptoms, a condition called Coccydynia has often been linked to such chronic pains in the lower back. Identifying coccydynia and separating it from other types of lower back pain by Physiotherapists and Chiropractors is important for its pain management.

Coccydynia, or inflammation of the tail bone, is a unique type of lumbar pain that can cause patients a severe amount of discomfort and agony. Coccydynia/ Tailbone pain is a pain that occurs in or around the bony structure at the bottom of the spine (coccyx). The coccyx is much smaller than the sacrum, has an important weight-bearing role, and supports the body weight while sitting.

 

Physiotherapy has proven to be beneficial in teaching pelvic floor relaxation techniques (reverse Kegels) which help to get coccyx into better alignment and can relieve the pain experienced when urinating or defecating. For women, tailbone pain can make menstruation uncomfortable as well. As women may suffer injury to the coccyx or direct trauma to the coccyx during childbirth, these conditions have been more commonly reported with females.

 

Common causes of Coccydynia:

 

Coccydynia/ Tailbone pain can be caused by trauma to the coccyx during a fall, prolonged sitting on a hard or narrow surface, degenerative joint changes, or vaginal childbirth. Tailbone pain ranges from a dull ache to a fierce stab. It can last for weeks, months, or sometimes longer. A diagnosis of coccydynia will usually identify one of the following underlying causes of pain:

 

• Local trauma. A direct injury to the coccyx is the most common cause of coccydynia. A fall on the tailbone can inflame the ligaments and injure the coccyx or the coccygeal attachment to the sacrum. 
• Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Sports and activities that put prolonged pressure on the tailbone, such as horseback riding and sitting on hard surfaces for long periods of time or bicycling may cause the onset of coccyx pain.
• Childbirth/ Pregnancy. During delivery the pressure against the coccyx can sometimes result in injury to the coccygeal structures (the disc, ligaments, and bones. Some hormonal secretions during pregnancy may also soften the area between the sacrum and coccyx.
• Referred coccyx pain. In rare cases, the pain will be referred to the coccyx from elsewhere in the spine or pelvis, such as a lumbar herniated disc or degenerative lumbar disc

Physio-therapeutic Approach

 

The initial goal of physiotherapy treatment is focused on providing postural education. A proper sitting posture ensures weight is taken off the coccyx and is instead loaded onto the ischial tuberosities and the thighs. Physiotherapists may also recommend the use of cushions. Modified wedge-shaped cushions (coccygeal cushions), help to relieve the pressure placed on the coccyx during sitting. Other treatment modalities include:

 

• Mobilizations: This can help realign the posture of the coccyx. Mobilization techniques may be the preferred technique when the goal of treatment is to increase coccygeal mobility.
• Manipulation: Patients also find pain relief through manual manipulation of the coccyx. Through manual manipulation, the joint between the sacrum and the coccyx can be adjusted, potentially reducing pain caused by inadequate coccyx mobility.
• Massage:  Coccydynia may be reduced or alleviated by massaging tense pelvic floor muscles that attach to the coccyx. Tense muscles in this region can place added strain on the ligaments and sacrococcygeal joint, limiting its mobility or pulling on the coccyx.
• TENS unit. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) units apply electric stimulation that interferes with the transmission of pain signals from the coccyx to the brain. These devices can be a good option for patients who wish to keep their intake of medications to a minimum. 
• Dry needling. It is surprisingly comfortable and very effective for specific conditions such as pelvic pain, incontinence, coccyx pain (tailbone), and other diagnoses. It helps in reducing muscle spasms and assesses the mobility and position of the sacrococcygeal joint.

 

Although the vast majority of patients who seek medical attention respond to conservative treatments, some patients require more aggressive treatments. A multidisciplinary approach employing physical therapy, ergonomic adaptations, medications (NSAIDs), injections, and, possibly, psychotherapy leads to the greatest chance of success in the patients.

 

World Stroke Day: Managing Post Stroke Rehab by physiotherapy

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October 29 celebrated as World Stroke Day, seeks to emphasize the serious nature and high rates of stroke. This day is also observed to raise awareness about the disease prevention and therapy, ensure better survivor support and treatment. Organizations around the world have facilitated activities on this day, emphasizing education, research, and programme globally to prevent the adverse effects of stroke. The annual event was started in 2006 by the World Stroke Organization (WSO) and WSO declared stroke a public health emergency in 2010. The WSO now has an on-going campaign that serves as a year-round interface for advocacy, policy, and outreach to support strides and continue the progress made on World Stroke Day. Over 6 million people die as a result of a stroke. Stroke is the second leading cause of death throughout the world. Medical experts and health advocates across the globe share similar messages on World Stroke Day. The messages range from stressing the importance of quick action during a suspected stroke to simple tips for preventing stroke. Most stroke survivors opt for a rehabilitation program. Physiotherapists recommend the most rigorous therapy program based on age, overall health and degree of disability from stroke.

 

Why Stroke matters, Factors responsible?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications. Stroke has two types i.e. ischemic strokes and Hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic strokes are usually caused by a piece of plaque or a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the brain while sudden bleeding can cause a hemorrhagic stroke. This happens when an artery in or on top of the brain breaks open. The leaked blood causes the brain to swell, putting pressure on it that can damage brain cells. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.

FAST is an acronym used as a mnemonic to help detect and enhance responsiveness to the needs of a person having stroke. The acronym stands for:

·   Facial drooping: Facial weakness can indicate a stroke. A person having a stroke, one side of their face may appear droopy.

·   Arm weakness: A stroke can cause muscle weakness, numbness and paralysis on one or both sides of body. A person may be unable to lift one arm or one are may be drifted.

·   Speech difficulties: Strokes can also affect speech and understanding. Difficult speaking or slurred speech indicates a stroke.

·   Time to call emergency services: Seeking immediate  medical help is important if a person experiences any of the above symptoms

Chances of having a stroke increase with certain risk factors associated with it. High blood pressures, Heart diseases, Diabetes, smoking, and cholesterol often increase the chances of having stroke. However adopting a healthy lifestyle, changing in eating habits, and regular exercises are the best steps that can reduce the likelihood of having a stroke.

Physiotherapy For Post Stroke Rehabilitation:

Physical Therapy plays an important role in the process of rehabilitation after stroke. As a part of the interdisciplinary team, physiotherapists work in concert with the managing doctor and other rehabilitation specialists to provide stroke patients with a comprehensive rehabilitation program. The stroke physical therapy rehabilitation program involves a dynamic process of assessment, goal-setting, treatment and evaluation; its coverage spans from the acute stage, through the rehabilitation stage, to the community stage. The whole rehabilitation program is predicated on two general components. The first includes preventive measures targeted at maintaining physical integrity and minimizing complications that will prevent or prolong functional return.

Physiotherapy is an integral component of the road to recovery from a stroke as rehabilitation continues as long as the person is showing measurable benefit from treatment and has achieved their agreed goals. Rehabilitation improves recovery of function and mobility after stroke. Post-stroke, physiotherapists begin rehabilitation in short frequent spells, focused on getting out of bed, standing and walking. This repetitive task training helps people regain movement and relearn everyday activities. Physiotherapists often work with other professionals to help you with the range of problems that stroke can cause. Physiotherapy applied early in the patient journey will improve, function, health, and independence.

Physical therapy enables people to relearn lost abilities, regain independence and reduce the risk of further strokes. Physiotherapists use assistive equipment to enhance stroke rehabilitation. Robot-assisted devices support people to walk independently while treadmill training improves walking speed and endurance. Physiotherapy helps stroke survivors incorporate the physical activity recommendations into their daily routine to reduce the risk of another stroke by up to 35%. Physiotherapists can provide circuit training, involving intensive repetition of everyday activities, to help people walk further, faster, with more independence and confidence. Integrating endurance and strength training into rehabilitation reduces disability. Core stability and exercises incorporating balance, weight-shifting and gaits improve balance after stroke.

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World Osteoporosis Day: Managing Bone Health with Physiotherapy

World Osteoporosis Day is observed on the 20th of October every year. This day is dedicated to raising awareness for early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Osteoporosis. World Osteoporosis Day WOD aims to make osteoporosis and fracture prevention a global health priority by reaching out to health-care professionals, patients, and the public at large. Osteoporosis is a skeletal condition, which leads to the thinning of bones, mainly due to a deficiency of minerals such as calcium. Mineral deficiency leads to reduced bone density, which is characterized by brittle bones that are prone to fractures. Individuals with osteoporosis often experience multiple fractures in the long bones of arms and legs, and in the spine. Osteoporosis hinders movement and thus causes Joint Pain and Pain in the bones. Regular exercise and good nutrition, including getting the recommended daily amounts of calcium and vitamin D, are essential for building and maintaining bone strength throughout the lifespan. Various osteoporosis treatments have been proven to reduce fractures by 30 to 50 percent.

 

Factors Responsible for Osteoporosis 

 

Genetic factors play a critical role as a risk determining factor for Osteoporosis, but dietary and lifestyle modifications can help to prevent it. Identifying early signs and symptoms can help people take tangible steps to monitor Osteoporosis. Family history, low bone density, poor levels of vitamins and minerals and some health conditions and medications contribute to osteoporosis risk. Sedentary lifestyles alcoholic consumption, dietary gaps are also associated with the risk factors of osteoporosis. Reduction in bone mineral density is a natural process after the mid-20s, but incorporating an adequate amount of calcium, proteins, and vitamin D in our everyday diet can help to reduce our risk of Osteoporosis. Older adults lose bone mass with natural aging. With age, the ability to create new bone decreases while disuse continues to occur. In women, there is a sharp decline in bone mineral density after menopause, thereby increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Thus, postmenopausal women need necessary measures to prevent osteoporosis during later years in life.

 

 

Role of Physiotherapy in treating Osteoporosis

 

Strategies to improve bone density and reduce the likelihood of falls are important in the prevention of osteoporosis. Physiotherapists have a role to play in this condition through exercise prescription, therapeutic modalities, specific techniques and education. Appropriate treatment goals can be established following a thorough assessment of signs and symptoms, risk factors for osteoporosis and functional status. Since the aim is to maximize peak bone mass in children and adolescents, participation in a variety of high-impact activities should be encouraged.

 

Physiotherapy includes certain bone-strengthening exercises, such as weight-bearing activities (including walking or jogging) or resistance training (such as weight lifting or yoga).To also help prevent further fractures, a physical therapist helps patients suffering from osteoporosis to improve balance and posture. Better control over balance will help people to prevent falls while proper posture takes unnecessary stress off the spine, which will reduce the risk of spinal fractures. A physical therapist may even help people to make changes in-home and/or office to promote a healthy recovery. Often physiotherapy teaches people safe ways to do everyday activities—from how to correctly lie down to how to sneeze properly—that will help people to avoid fractures. Physical therapy is an effective non-surgical treatment for osteoporosis that may help restore healthy movement, function, and bone strength. Physiotherapy will teach patients suffering from weak bones to exercise for bone health and ways to manage daily activities to lessen the chances of having an osteoporosis-related fracture.

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World Spine Day: Managing Spine Health with Physiotherapy

WORLD SPINE DAY

 

World Spine Day celebrates spine health annually on October 16th. The day aims to increase awareness for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of back pain and other spine issues. With an estimated one billion people worldwide suffering from spinal problems, it affects all age groups, from children to the elderly. It is the biggest single cause of disability on the planet. World Spine Day brings together people from all walks of life – patients, health providers, healthcare organizations, associations, and governments – to help ease the global burden of spinal disorders. World Spine day also provides a forum for on-going discussion about the burden of spinal disorders and sharing best practices. Spinal problems can be managed by the promotion of regular physical activity, encouraging good posture throughout all stages of life and teaching responsible lifting and developing healthy working conditions.

 

The Theme for World Spine Day 2020: Back on track

 

The 2020 theme for World Spine Day is ‘Back on Track’. The timely theme was inspired by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have inevitably led to a decrease in physical activity, potentially leaving people susceptible to spinal pain. COVID-19 affecting the various people across the world followed by imposing restrictions on people’s movement has been linked to a range of health conditions. Back on Track highlights the importance of exercise, posture, movement, and good self-care to ensure a healthy spine. The activities can be as simple as ensuring to exercise daily, maintain a balanced diet, and get enough sleep. Practicing Straighten Up stretching program is also a great way to help you regain control over your health. The theme celebrates for the cause of people being able to reactivate and revitalize their bodies by getting out and focusing on effective spine care. The theme also highlights the importance of exercise, posture, movement, and good self-care to make the spine healthy.

 

 

 

 

PHYSIOTHERAPY IN MANAGING SPINAL HEALTH

 

Physiotherapists are trained in many different aspects of the spine, which are proved to be effective in managing spinal related health concerns, from rehabilitating patients with spinal cord injuries or systemic spinal conditions (such as Ankylosing Spondylitis) to treat conditions such as lower back and neck pain. Physiotherapy has a special interest in neuro-musculoskeletal conditions and treats patients with nerve irritations referred from the spine, muscle injuries and pain, and pain in all joints including the spine. Physiotherapy aims at helping regain normal movement patterns of the spine to aid in and prevent pain. This is usually carried out through joint mobilizations, soft tissue techniques, as well as teaching, improved movement through mobility, flexibility, and strengthening exercises.

 

The goal of physical therapy is to decrease back pain, increase function, and teach the patient a maintenance program to prevent future spinal problems. The patient may only need the treatment and education that patient receives during the initial assessment or the patient may need months of rehabilitation. Common forms of physical therapy include Passive physical therapy (modalities), which includes things done to the patient, such as heat application, ice packs, and electrical stimulation. While as the Active physical therapy focuses on specific exercises and stretching. For most spinal problems related to back pain treatments, active exercise is the focus of the physical therapy program.